CORA Group Announces Acquisition of Carlson Marketing

• Includes enterprise technology, customers and employees

• Revives an iconic brand in loyalty marketing

• Develops business and opportunities for CORA loyalty solutions

WARMINSTER, Pa., July 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CORA Group (“CORA”), an operating portfolio of Jonas Software, a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc., is pleased to announce the acquisition of Kognitiv’s Enterprise Loyalty Platform (ELP). This acquisition elevates CORA’s loyalty solutions to a leader in the loyalty technology industry, expanding its portfolio to include solutions for managing enterprise loyalty programs on a global scale. The newly acquired entity will operate as “Carlson Marketing Solutions,” restoring its original brand identity from its founding in 1938 until its acquisition by AIMIA, Inc. and then by Kognitiv.

ELP efficiently manages high volumes of complex transactions while increasing program value, personalization and targeted customer experiences. Serving more than 50 million loyalty program members in 30 countries, ELP enables its customers – including international banks, retailers and travel providers – to increase customer lifetime value through a robust system that manages thousands of transactions per minute worldwide, combined with advanced data science and customer marketing services. The transaction also includes the Air Miles Reward Program, the largest coalition loyalty program in the Middle East.

As part of the transaction, CORA will integrate over 100 new employees from Kognitiv across North America, APAC and EMEA. Denis Brosnan, Portfolio Manager at CORA, will serve as CEO during the transition period, ensuring a smooth integration and continued leadership.

“We are excited to welcome Carlson Marketing Solutions to the CORA family,” said Brosnan. “These solutions align perfectly with our goal of offering our customers comprehensive loyalty management software solutions, coupled with key account support services. The hallmarks of the Constellation family, which include our buy-and-hold-forever business model and commitment to operational excellence as a software company, will provide strength, stability and innovation to customers of these enterprise platforms and services, while providing career opportunities for our new employees. We are honored to be stewards of the Carlson Marketing brand now and in perpetuity.”

Tim Sullivan, CEO of Kognitiv, also expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We are excited that ELP and Air Miles are joining forces with CORA, owner of our long-term fulfillment partner, RewardOps, and continuing our mutually beneficial partnership. This transaction will enable Kognitiv to deepen its focus on data activation technologies while providing continued access to the Enterprise Loyalty Platform and RewardOps for our customers. We believe this partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey and creates numerous opportunities for growth and innovation.”

About Kognitiv

Kognitiv inspires lifelong loyalty by helping brands build deeper relationships with their customers. Their intelligent, omnichannel SaaS platform delivers data-driven personalization across the customer lifecycle, enabling higher marketing effectiveness and consumer engagement.

In June 2020, Kognitiv and Aimia’s Loyalty Solutions business merged to become a global leader in loyalty solutions. Kognitiv currently serves a broad portfolio of global brand clients and has employees in over 20 countries. With decades of experience in loyalty solutions, Kognitiv has the history, technology, and expertise to help marketers exceed customer expectations.

Kognitiv’s largest investor includes Aimia Inc., a holding company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About CORA Group

CORA Group is a collective organization redefining progress by acquiring, strengthening and growing over 30 independent software brands worldwide. Our roots in construction and hospitality have expanded to include debt collection and recovery, wine/spirit, moving/storage, loyalty, legal and long-term care. Today, we are proud to serve over 50,000 customers in 10+ markets with industry-leading enterprise software and related services. CORA Group operates as a core operating group within Jonas Software, a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. This relationship reinforces CORA’s commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions and to leveraging the extensive resources and support provided by Jonas Software and Constellation Software Inc.

Contact info

For more information please contact:

CORA Group
George Chalmers
Deputy Director of Corporate Development Mergers and Acquisitions
[email protected]
https://thecoragroup.com